New ECEC workforce strategy announced by the ACT Government

The Australian Capital Territory Government has released a new early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce strategy.

Valuing Educators, Values Children: A Workforce Strategy for the ACT Early Childhood Education and Care Profession (2023-25) builds on the “biggest ever” investment into early childhood education, delivered through this year’s ACT budget.

The ACT Children First Alliance (CFA) welcomed the workforce strategy that recognises educator’s and their significant contribution to the early education of children, and said the organisation looks forward to working with the ACT Government to develop and implement the initiatives.

“Investing in our early childhood educators has never been more important, as a strong qualified workforce is essential to delivering quality early childhood education and care,” said co-chairs of the CFA, Simon Bennett and Mandy Green. 

The strategy outlines a range of actions to be delivered over the next few years, across four focus areas: 

• Sector support 
• Capability building 
• Career pathways
• Professional recognition.

These actions aim to ensure that educators and early childhood professionals in the ACT are well supported, valued and respected.

In delivering the strategy, the Government acknowledges the challenges facing ECEC so these can be addressed, with actions aligned to the delivery of broader national childhood reforms.

A sector reference group will be established to oversee the delivery of the strategy and ensure it meets the needs of the ECEC workforce.

“Early childhood educators play an invaluable role in fostering the development and growth of our littlest learners,” said Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Yvette Berry.

“The Valuing Educators, Values Children: Workforce Strategy reaffirms the ACT Government’s commitment to supporting, building and respecting the early childhood profession now and into the future.”

The full strategy can be found online here.